Shopko bolsters executive team

August 3, 2012

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko has named Craig Gourley as its new SVP, general merchandise manager home and hardlines.

In this position, Gourley will report to Jill Soltau, EVP, chief merchandising officer, and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of merchandising for the home division including developing strategies, negotiation vendor partnerships and managing the buying team.

Gourley joins Shopko after five years at JCPenney where he served as divisional VP, DMM managing 60% of the company's home business. Prior to JCPenney, Craig spent nearly 20 years with The May Company at the Foley's and D&F Department Store chains where he held merchandising roles in a number of categories gaining growing responsibility during his tenure, eventually serving as divisional merchandise manager for housewares. After The May Company merged with Federated Department Stores, Craig was one of a select number asked to join the company in the role of DVP/DMM textiles for Macy's.

"Craig brings strong leadership and extensive experience to our home division at a critical time as we expand our brand to new customers in our Shopko Hometown markets. Throughout his career, Craig has consistently delivered exceptional financial results due to his focus on newness, key items, total brand development and superior planning strategies," said Soltau. "He has a reputation for being a skilled negotiator with both domestic and import vendors and an effective leader and manager. His proven track record of success, coupled with his experience and fresh perspective, will make him a strong addition to our team."

Gourley earned a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University.

In a separate release, Shopko announced that it has expanded the role of its SVP product development, Tom Abbott, to now include oversight of the company's consumables division. His new title will be SVP product development, general merchandise manager consumables.

In this expanded role, Abbott will retain responsibility for product development, trend and sourcing. His previous oversight of the company's textiles division will move to Gourley, creating one senior merchant leader and vision for the home division.

Abbott has more than 40 years of experience in the retail industry, 20 of which have been with Shopko where he was initially hired as a senior buyer and eventually promoted to the executive team in 2005.

"This strategic move strengthens our important consumables team and business by positioning a direct senior leader in the division," said Soltau. "As we look to drive sales of Consumables in all of our formats, Tom's wide-ranging experience, in-depth understanding of all aspects of retail, keen understanding of consumer behavior, as well as his track record of achieving significant results make him the perfect fit for driving our consumables business. We are excited to have Tom's leadership over this important piece of our business."

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